Stocks fell for a third day Tuesday as unease about Europe's debt struggles spread to Portugal, Spain and Italy. A brighter reading on U.S. consumer confidence helped the Dow Jones industrial average pare much of its losses.

Producer prices fell for a fifth straight month in December, partly on a record drop in gasoline prices, indicating that inflation pressures were likely to stay muted for a while, but new claims for jobless benefits increased more than expected last week, reflecting continued weakness in the labor market in the new year.

With consumers showing an appetite for stylish personal devices, PC and gadget makers will need more than just vibrant colors, rounded edges or an elegant metallic finish to stand out in a crowded market.